Lexus to debut LC Convertible Concept at Detroit motor show

Luxurious drop-top will rival BMW 8 Series Convertible and Mercedes S-Class Convertible when it goes into production in 2020

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Lexus is set to present a convertible version of its range-topping LC at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday.

The luxurious cabriolet is only a concept for now, but it could hit showrooms as early as 2020. It’s unsurprisingly based on the LC Coupe, but amps up that car’s striking design with a drop-top and long rear deck.

It’s not clear whether the contoured rear hides a folding hard-top or a fabric roof, but the recent trend towards the latter would suggest that Lexus fits a soft-top.

That would bring it in line with the BMW 8 Series Convertible and Mercedes S-Class, as well as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The higher-end Ferrari Portofino retains a metal folding roof, however. The LC does also feature the same 2+2 seating layout as all of these cars.

The LC coupe is already the company’s flagship, with the Convertible set to be even more of a halo model.

(PA)

Lexus hasn’t revealed any technical details of the LC Convertible, though it’s reasonable to assume that if it came to market it would utilise the same ten-speed gearbox and choice of 3.5-litre hybrid or 5.0-litre V8 powertrains.

The concept’s chief designer, Tadao Mori, said: “This concept takes the unmistakeable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible. It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.”